Let’s talk about eyeballs. Yes, eyeballs. Not the real kind—don’t worry, we’re not that creepy here. I’m talking about Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs, the show-stopping Halloween snack that made my neighbor drop her wine glass at last year’s party.
These little guys are made of soft mozzarella balls, peeking out with kalamata olive “pupils,” and layered between spicy slices of pepperoni and bloody red bell pepper triangles. They’re creepy, yes—but also savory, delicious, and ridiculously fun to make.
If you’re hosting a spooky party, building a Halloween snack platter, or just love Italian-inspired finger foods, this is one appetizer you’ll want on repeat. Let me show you exactly how to make them.
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What Are Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs?
Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs are no-cook Halloween skewers made with mozzarella “eyeballs,” pepperoni slices, and red bell pepper, all stacked on skewers for a spooky-meets-savory party treat. They’re cold appetizers that are quick to assemble, kid-friendly (if you tone down the spice), and creepy enough to steal the show at your haunted snack table.
Perfect for fans of spooky Halloween appetizers, Halloween deli platter ideas, and anyone who appreciates a little drama with their cheese.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
This is a true no-fuss Halloween snack. You don’t need a stovetop or oven—just a sharp knife, some skewers, and a spooky attitude.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 tablespoons kalamata olives, chopped into small bits (pupils)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into wedges or triangles
- 4 oz stick pepperoni or thick-cut slices
- Optional: capers, jalapeños, or green olives for variations
Tools:
- Small knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden skewers or party toothpicks
Want more mozzarella-based starters? Check out this recipe for prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella.
How to Make Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs
This is where the magic (and the mild gross-out factor) happens. These skewers are all about presentation and layering—kind of like building a haunted deli platter, Italian-style.
Step 1: Prep Your Eyeballs
Use a small knife to carve a shallow circle into the center of each mozzarella ball. Insert a bit of chopped kalamata olive to create a pupil. Boom—eyeballs.
Want cartoonish, goofy eyes instead? Swap kalamata for green olives. Want something tiny and intense? Use capers or jalapeño slivers.
Step 2: Slice the Red Bell Pepper
Cut the red bell pepper into small triangles or jagged wedges. These will add color and a “bloody” effect to the skewers. You can also use red chili peppers if you want something spicier.
Step 3: Slice the Pepperoni
Use thick-cut slices from a pepperoni stick if you want a bold, dramatic look. For quick assembly, pre-sliced deli pepperoni works just fine. Slice into both chunks (for structure) and thin rounds (for layering).
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Here’s the basic order:
- Red bell pepper wedge
- Chunk of pepperoni
- Mozzarella eyeball
- Another pepperoni slice
- Optional: another eyeball or pepper slice for visual balance
Repeat until your skewer looks like a haunted meat lollipop.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate your Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs for at least 30 minutes before serving. They’re best cold and should be eaten within 3–4 hours for the best texture.
Tips and Creepy Variations
Halloween snacks should be fun—and flexible. Don’t stress the details. Here’s how to make this recipe your own:
Mozzarella Tips
- Use pearls, ciliegine, or even mini bocconcini—just aim for that round shape.
- If the mozzarella is too wet, pat it dry before carving out the “pupil.”
Olive Options
- Kalamata olives give you a creepy, realistic eyeball vibe.
- Green olives = cartoon eyes.
- Capers or jalapeños = spicy or tiny alternatives.
Pepperoni Advice
- Thick-cut = dramatic.
- Pre-sliced = quick and easy.
- Spicy varieties = even more flavor.
If you’re a fan of skewer-based party food, you’ll love our Taiwanese sausage skewers too.
Bell Pepper Fun
Red is ideal for that blood-red Halloween pop, but orange or yellow works if you’re feeling more autumn harvest than haunted house. For heat, try red chili peppers.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Assemble on the same day.
- Chill for 30 minutes minimum.
- Serve within 4 hours—after that, the mozzarella gets weirdly soggy.
How to Serve Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs
Presentation matters—especially when you’re making scary food ideas for Halloween.
Display Tips:
- Lay your skewers on a black tray to make the colors pop.
- Toss in a few plastic spiders or eyeball candies for extra creep factor.
- For ultimate drama, set dry ice behind the platter and let it fog your spooky snacks.
These also pair well with other cold Halloween appetizers like our smoked salmon cucumber bites and Rotel cream cheese sausage balls.
Want more spooky finger food? Don’t miss our Italian sliders for spooky parties.
Serving Ideas for a Halloween Snack Platter
Building a Halloween deli platter? Add these to the mix:
- Cubes of sharp cheddar or gouda with creepy toothpicks
- Gory beet hummus with tortilla chips
- Black grapes or blueberries (aka “witch eyes”)
- A few edible eyeballs floating in your punch bowl (yes, really)
Need more inspiration? Build your Halloween snack board like this but swap the stars and stripes for spiders and skulls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically yes, but the mozzarella might get a little too soft. They’re best when made the same day and served within 3–4 hours.
Fresh mozzarella pearls or ciliegine are the easiest and most realistic. Bocconcini works too if you want big, dramatic eyes.
Totally. If you skip the spicy pepperoni or chili, it’s a fun, mild treat for little ones. You can even let them help make them—kids love poking in the “pupils.”
Yes! Skip the pepperoni and layer with cherry tomatoes, roasted red pepper strips, or even grilled zucchini.
Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers
Description
These no-cook Halloween skewers are spooky, savory, and shockingly easy to make. Mozzarella balls become creepy eyeballs with olive pupils, layered with pepperoni and red bell pepper. The perfect Halloween appetizer for your haunted snack table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 2 tablespoons kalamata olives, chopped into small bits
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into wedges or triangles
- 4 oz stick pepperoni or thick-cut slices
- Optional: capers, jalapeños, or green olives for variations
Instructions
- Use a small knife to carve a shallow circle into each mozzarella ball. Insert a bit of chopped kalamata olive to make the “pupil.”
- Cut the red bell pepper into small triangles or jagged wedges for a creepy look.
- Slice the pepperoni into chunks and thin rounds, using thick-cut slices for drama or pre-sliced for convenience.
- Assemble each skewer in this order: red bell pepper wedge, pepperoni chunk, mozzarella eyeball, another pepperoni slice. Add another eyeball or pepper if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy within 3–4 hours.
Equipment
Notes
For added variety, use green olives for cartoonish eyes or capers for tiny pupils. Red chili peppers can replace bell peppers for more heat. Display on a black tray for maximum Halloween effect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Final thoughts
So there you have it: Creepy Skewered Salami Eyeballs, your new go-to Halloween party trick. They’re weird, wonderful, and just the right amount of gross to get guests talking. The best part? They take less than 20 minutes to put together.
Bookmark this page, send it to your spooky friend group, and don’t forget to tag us when you make them. Want more Halloween appetizer ideas? Check out our Italian meatloaf recipe for weeknight dinners or go all out with a full Halloween snack table.
Because Halloween isn’t just about costumes—it’s about creepy, delicious snacks that make your guests scream in delight.
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